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Performing 'There are things that lurk in the library' by Joseph Coelho

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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can perform the poem ‘There are Things that Lurk in the Library’ by Joseph Coelho.

Key learning points

  1. Performing poetry to an audience is an important part of the process of creating poetry.
  2. When performing poetry, you can vary your volume, pace and use gestures to have an impact on the audience.
  3. Deciding upon and creating a desired atmosphere is important when performing poetry.
  4. We can improve our performances of poetry through practice.

Keywords

  • Atmopshere - the mood created in a section or whole of a text

  • Volume - the loudness or softness of the voice when speaking or reading a poem

  • Pace - the speed or rhythm at which a poem is read or performed

  • Gesture - a movement that helps express an idea or meaning

Common misconception

Pupils may think a person can be 'good' or 'bad' at performing.

Explain that successful performances need practice, like any skill. By identifying the elements that contribute to a successful performance, we can then practise them.

Teacher tip

You may wish to use a video of Joseph Coelho performing the poem himself. This can be found online.

Equipment

You need a copy of the poem ‘There are Things that Lurk in the Library’, which is available in the additional materials for this lesson.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

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